(Written By: Abdul Basit Alvi)
India, ostensibly a secular nation, upholds the principles of religious freedom and equality as enshrined in its constitution. Article 25 guarantees the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. However, India has failed to strike a balance between safeguarding minority religious places and addressing broader societal concerns such as urban development, infrastructure projects, and the preservation of historical sites.
The Ram Temple controversy has had a profound impact on communal relations in India. The demolition of the Babri Masjid and the subsequent events triggered communal riots, resulting in the loss of lives and property of Muslim minorities by Hindus. The issue has also been exploited by Modi and BJP to polarize communities for electoral gains, exacerbating tensions and deepening religious fault lines.
Significant apprehensions have been expressed regarding incidents targeting minorities, particularly religious and ethnic groups, leading to widespread debates both within India and on the international stage. Communal violence has sporadically erupted among religious communities, resulting in tragic outcomes. Notable instances, such as the Gujarat riots in 2002 and the Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013, have resulted in loss of lives and community displacement, with minorities often bearing a disproportionate impact. Reported incidents of cow vigilantism, where self-appointed groups target individuals suspected of cow slaughter or beef consumption, have predominantly affected Muslim and Dalit communities, resulting in violence, intimidation, and, in some cases, loss of life.
Concerns about religious discrimination have surfaced in various contexts, including instances where members of religious minority communities encounter obstacles in accessing educational and employment opportunities. Discrimination based on religious identity undermines the principles of equality and secularism embedded in the Indian Constitution. Changes in citizenship laws, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), have ignited debates about potential exclusion of certain minority groups, particularly Muslims, with these legal changes having implications for the inclusive fabric of Indian society and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
Some minority communities, especially Dalits and Muslims, continue to grapple with social and economic marginalization. Challenges persist in accessing education, employment, and other opportunities, contributing to concerns about inequality and exclusion. Instances of political polarization along religious lines have been observed, with specific political rhetoric and actions being perceived as divisive. This has raised concerns about the impact on social cohesion and the potential marginalization of minority voices in political discourse.
Contrastingly, in Pakistan, a country characterized by a rich tapestry of cultural and religious diversity, significant strides have been taken in recent years to promote inclusivity and safeguard the rights of its minority communities. The government has initiated various welfare programs addressing the unique needs of religious minorities, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting social harmony.
The Constitution of Pakistan upholds the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the protection of minority rights. Article 36 explicitly safeguards the rights of minorities, ensuring their freedom to practice and profess their religion. This constitutional commitment forms a robust foundation for the government to design and implement welfare programs that uplift minority communities. Pakistan commemorates Minorities Welfare Day annually on August 11th, marking the speech of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Jinnah emphasized the equal rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion. On this day, the government organizes events and activities to raise awareness about the rights and contributions of minority communities, fostering a spirit of unity and tolerance.
To ensure representation in the workforce, the Pakistani government has implemented job quotas for minorities in various government departments. This affirmative action addresses imbalances and provides opportunities for minorities to actively participate in public service, exemplifying Pakistan’s commitment to inclusivity and the well-being of its minority communities.
Allocated seats in legislative bodies contribute to the political representation of minority communities. The government has introduced scholarship programs and initiatives to promote education among minority groups, offering scholarships at various levels, from primary to higher education. This enables students from minority backgrounds to pursue academic excellence without facing financial constraints. Additionally, the government has established schools and educational institutions in areas with significant minority populations.
The protection and upkeep of places of worship for minority communities are essential for their religious freedom. The Pakistani government has undertaken initiatives to safeguard and renovate churches, temples, gurdwaras, and other religious sites belonging to minorities, ensuring these places remain sacred and accessible for worship. Promoting interfaith harmony is a crucial aspect of the government’s efforts to foster unity among diverse religious communities. Initiatives and forums encouraging dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between different religious groups contribute to building a more tolerant and cohesive society.
In recent years, Pakistan has introduced legislation aimed at curtailing discrimination against minorities. Laws prohibiting forced conversions and protecting the rights of religious minorities have been enacted to ensure a legal framework that safeguards the rights and dignity of all citizens. Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of its minority communities is evident through various initiatives addressing their specific needs and concerns. The government’s efforts to promote inclusivity, protect religious freedom, and ensure equal opportunities for minorities contribute to the nation’s journey toward a more diverse, tolerant, and harmonious society. These initiatives underscore the importance of recognizing and valuing the diversity that enriches the social fabric of Pakistan.
The Kartarpur Corridor serves as a symbol of love and respect for minorities in Pakistan, exemplifying the power of diplomacy and goodwill to transcend historical animosities and promote religious harmony. Connecting the Sikh shrines of Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan, the corridor symbolizes peace and cooperation. The Pakistani government’s significant role in its construction showcases diplomatic efforts aimed at building bridges and facilitating religious pilgrimage.
India has engaged in a fifth-generation war against Pakistan, disseminating false propaganda. The recent misinformation campaign targeted Sharda Peeth. Nestled in the picturesque Neelum Valley in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sharda Peeth stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Indian subcontinent. This ancient seat of learning and spirituality holds immense significance for Hindus, especially the followers of the goddess Saraswati. Sharda Peeth, also known as Sharda Devi Temple, is not merely a religious site but a historical and cultural treasure that has endured the sands of time.
Sharda Peeth traces its origins to ancient history, dating back to an era when the Indian subcontinent flourished as a center of knowledge and wisdom. It is believed to have been one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, sacred places devoted to the divine feminine energy. The temple is closely associated with the goddess Saraswati, revered as the deity of wisdom, knowledge, and the arts. The name “Sharda” is derived from the Sanskrit word for knowledge, underscoring the temple’s significance as a hub of learning. Hindu mythology narrates that Lord Shiva established Sharda Peeth, elevating it to a revered destination for scholars, sages, and spiritual seekers. While the present state of Sharda Peeth may not match its historical grandeur due to various invasions and natural calamities over the centuries, the remaining ruins still bear witness to the architectural brilliance of a bygone era. With intricate carvings and symbolic representations, the temple reflects the artistic and spiritual inclinations of ancient Indian civilization. Situated near the Sharda village, close to the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, the remnants offer a glimpse into the once-magnificent complex, evoking reverence and nostalgia among visitors.
The Indian media has consistently resorted to falsehoods in the context of Pakistan and Kashmir, fueling enmity, and these falsehoods have repeatedly been debunked. A recent instance involves Indian media spreading misinformation about Sharda University, referring to it as Sharda Temple. They claimed that the Pakistani Army was constructing a cafeteria in place of Sharda University. However, upon investigation, the pool of Indian lies was exposed, and no cafeteria was found. Recognizing the historical importance of Sharda and responding to local demand, a grand library has been established, proving to be a valuable resource for history enthusiasts. The Indian media’s attempt to create controversy by falsely propagating against the library’s establishment was debunked when it was revealed that there was no cafeteria at the claimed location. The Deputy Commissioner of Neelum district clarified that an excellent library had been established, which the public was actively using. He emphasized that the Indian media often operates on misinformation.
Readers, in response to the Indian media’s propaganda, public sentiments asserted that India has no right to comment on Sharda University. In a country like India, where under Modi’s leadership, Hindutva followers have intensified hostility against Muslims, altering the geographical landscape of Kashmir to erase its Muslim-majority identity, and perpetrating atrocities, the focus on the religious rights of Hindus in Azad Kashmir is misplaced. Pakistan, in contrast, upholds religious harmony by safeguarding the rights of all religions. The shining example of this is the Kartarpur Corridor, showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to treating minorities with respect. The truth is evident to the world: minorities in Pakistan are secure, while in India, they face peril. India’s baseless propaganda relies on lies and does not reflect the true picture.
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